Risks of pregnancy with one ovary

Hi, when I was a teenager I had a large cyst removed so the only chance for me was to remove one of my ovaries. Now I’m turning 31 and considering having a baby. Wondering if I will be able to get pregnant with one ovary or if I need IVF by default… Am I childless or may still have a chance?

I look forward to your reply.

Dear Angeel,

In principle, if everything is ok, there is no reason why you should have trouble conceiving naturally in spite of having only one ovary. Theoretically, ovulation occurs monthly in one ovary, although in practice this does not occur with such precision. However, it is true that the ovaries alternate on a monthly basis. In your case, given that you have only one functional ovary, it is possible that it takes longer for you to conceive, yet you can achieve pregnancy naturally if the remaining ovary is functional.

However, it is important to note that a woman’s chances of conceiving with one ovary are greater if the fallopian tube is on the same side of the ovary from where the egg is released. On the other hand, the chances that an egg released from one ovary will reach a tube that is on the other side are very slim, and there is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy in such cases.

If pregnancy didn’t occur after 1 year trying to conceive, you should consider seeing a fertility specialist to undergo fertility testing (both you and your partner) to check your fertility in full.

See also: Female infertility: what are the causes?

I hope this helps,

Best